“For the most part, we treat others
in a matter of fact way; we have to, in order to get on with our
lives. But every so often, in a moment of insight that can be nearly
mystical in its intensity, we see others in their real humanity, in a
way which makes us want to cherish them as joint pilgrims...”
So
writes Alexander McCall Smith, that wonderful wordsmith who, in many
of the novels he has penned, lovingly and proudly portrays the
Edinburgh he knows so well.
Those words above from the The World According to Bertie, resonated loudly with me as I read them. Two weekends ago, while standing at the
coffee cart, overlooking the Northern Eucalypt Lawn at the National
Botanic Gardens, I had experienced an unexpected and heady rush of
pride that I am a Canberran. My next thought, hot on the
heels of the first, was that I felt strongly connected with this
sated and sun-soaked collective of big and small humans with whom I
was participating in this adventure called the Human Brochure.
Big and small humans sunning themselves on the Eucalypt Lawn, National Botanic Gardens
Both of these thoughts, no doubt
forming and germinating over the previous couple of days, snuck up on
me and took me by surprise in their intensity. Truly though, it
should have come as no surprise. The smiles I saw in that moment on
the faces and in the hearts of my fellow humans (human hearts smile,
don't you know?) had had their genesis in an idea. The Works and
Australian Capital Tourism nurtured, developed and gave wings to this
idea through creative curiosity, technical know-how, strong
Canberra-region stakeholder partnerships and attention to each and
(almost) every detail. Set for launch on the last weekend in October
2012, the idea was ready. But would it fly?
As has been mentioned in articles and blog posts about the Human Brochure**, the
stream of harvested content uploaded by this bunch of social-media
enthralled humans – some more tech savvy than others, but each with
a unique perspective and voice – speaks for itself. Beautiful
images and quirky observations; snakes, bikes, nurses in uniform,
gorgeous tasting plates, wine to delight, desserts to crave, suitcasepenguin, misty
rainforest, Rothko, miniature worlds, stoked kids with facial wounds, nightlife, crisp hotel
linen, Flanders Red poppies, #skyporn, suitcase markets, sleep
patterns of giraffes, Lauren Jackson, plush carpet, dinosaur poo,
Gibralter Peak...the list goes on. Personal, intriguing, accessible,
enticing, 'gonna come back' kind of stuff.
Small humans tour, National Botanic Gardens
This ode to Canberra and the
experiences this group of humans have been only too happy to share
with anyone and everyone who will listen (yes, more #humanbrochure my
Sydney friends!) was as fun as it sounds. As genuine as it sounds.
As full-on as it sounds. For big and small alike, the jam-packed
itinerary provided laughter, learning and leisure in just about the
right quantities. Late nights and humans of the smaller variety are
not an easy mix, but in the main, the momentum and new-found
friendships carried us through. My small humans, their parents and
the other families on this adventure wholeheartedly engaged with each
other, the fantastic venues, the wonderfully warm, thoughtful and
caring hosts and, naturally, with the uniqueness of this world-first
campaign. What a privilege!
This experience, against the backdrop
of the diversity and generosity Canberra displayed over the
approximately 48 action-packed hours has become for me, a tangible
thing. Not just in the goodies with which we came home. Not just in
the clever and 'take notice world' living, breathing testimony that is the Human Brochure. Not just in our bulging new collection of happy snaps. It's tangible within. It's in the memories created
from interacting with passionate, professional and knowledgeable
staff at each place visited, unexpectedly meeting friends of friends,
service with a smile, our children's infectious excitement, smells
and sounds (I know what you're thinking, lots of kids travelling
on buses can't be good...promise it was) and from hearing other's
stories of home, work, travel and, well, everyday human life.
So thank you fellow pilgrims, for
putting the 'human' in the Human Brochure. You (and Canberra) are cherished.
Imogen Ingram and her family were stoked to be part of the Family Fun
stream of this social experiment. They have a renewed delight in Canberra and the region, are very interested to see
what follows for the Human Brochure project and will be staying connected with friends
they made along the way.
Particular thanks go to: Australian Capital Tourism, The Works, Clifton Suites on Northbourne, Murrays Coaches, The Australian War Memorial, Questacon, The Lobby, Cockington Green, The National Dinosaur Museum, The National Zoo and Aquarium, The National Botanic Gardens of Australia and The Australian Institute of Sport. Of course, the biggest thanks go to all the humans involved for making the weekend fly!
**Further reading is available via Delicious in a (growing) collection of articles and blog posts about the Human Brochure.
